self-deception

[ self-di-sep-shuh n, self- ]

/ ˈsɛlf dɪˈsɛp ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

the act or fact of deceiving oneself.

Also called self-de·ceit

[self-di-seet, self-] /ˈsɛlf dɪˈsit, ˌsɛlf-/.

Origin of self-deception

First recorded in 1670–80

self-de·cep·tive, adjective

Hers was the solidest woman's heart I have ever met, and with it what facility in self-deceit.

A Night in the Luxembourg |Remy De Gourmont
But Lady Pelham had had sixty years practice in self-deceit.

Self-control |Mary Brunton
Superstitious observances, self-deceit though of a more refined sort, will not in reality at all mend matters with us.

Human Nature |Joseph Butler
And this strict scrutiny is no where more necessary, because there is no where more room for the operation of self-deceit.

A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Middle and Higher Classes in this Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity. |William Wilberforce

The serpent charms of self-deceit which he has so hugged are now broken.

Shakespeare: His Life, Art, And Characters, Volume I. |H. N. Hudson

self-deception

the act or an instance of deceiving oneself, esp as to the true nature of one's feelings or motives

self-deceptive, adjective